Watch Your Circadian Rhythms

Will people that work with you, or you, be more tired Monday morning?  I’ve read several studies from the last few years that there are higher risks of heart attacks, traffic accidents, and workplace incidents on the first Monday of Daylight Savings Time.

It usually takes me a few days to adjust to the one hour time change.  It’s probably the one time during the year when day time workers experience how shift workers feel all the time.  Our circadian rhythms don’t handle change, most of us don’t get enough sleep, and we don’t respect our need for sleep.  Please read the attached article.

Watch Your Circadian Rhythms

Posted March 13th, 2011 in 2011 Managing Fatigue Articles, Human Factors, Managing Fatigue

Sleep Problems Lead to Other Problems

It’s interesting that pipeline controllers need to be provided the opportunity for eight hours sleep, and twelve hours between shifts should provide that.  The ongoing challenge for anyone who works rotating shifts or their managers is providing education and suggestions and counsel about how to address those things, like sleep disorders, that may hinder getting eight hours of sleep.  Unfortunately, the opportunity does not guarantee eight hours.    Please read the article about sleep problems.

February Sleep Problems Lead to Other Problems-Color

I hope all of you get at least eight hours of sleep every night, have no sleep disorders, and never get any calls after you leave work.

I have some 2011 Managing Fatigue calendars left if you know anyone in your company or another company who may want some.

Posted March 13th, 2011 in 2011 Managing Fatigue Articles, Human Factors, Managing Fatigue

National Sleep Awareness Week March 7-13

It’s National Sleep Awareness Week.  Are you aware of your need for sleep?  There’s a difference between awareness and action.  According to an article in today’s Marietta Daily Journal, more than a third of American adults sleep less than seven hours a night.  Many of them report troubles concentrating, remembering, and driving.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported this information March 3 in two separate studies.

It’s interesting that pipeline companies are developing plans to provide pipeline controllers opportunities for eight hours sleep and 35% of people surveyed in 12 states said they sleep less than seven hours a night.  And most pipeline controllers have to sleep about half the time during the daylight hours.  It appears that sleep awareness week needs to become daily sleep awareness.

The second study reported that 23% had trouble concentrating; 18% had memory problems; and 11% experienced difficulties driving.  The more I learn about sleep problems,  the more important education becomes.

Posted March 7th, 2011 in Human Factors, In the News, Managing Fatigue